BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) -
Rain or shine, the president of the Spanish Town parade says the political pundits will parade through Downtown Baton Rouge. Last year the krewe rolled even after meteorologists warned tornados were a strong possibility. It is a decision that goes back 32 years.
Revelers line up early every year for what is known as the most entertaining parade to hit the Capital City. The quirky Krew of Spanish Town is known for its politically incorrect floats, tacky throws, and after last year, bold bid to battle Mother Nature.
WAFB Meteorologist Steve Caparotta warned there could be trouble. "Severe thunderstorms at noon; good luck is all I can tell ya."
"Showers, but not just showers, but thunderstorms. Yeah, we could have some lightning monkeying with parades. It could be a real problem in the afternoon," said Caparotta.
Spanish Town Mardi Gras President Bruce Childers says he tried to beat the storm by getting the show on the road 30 minutes early. "It was either sit there and see what happens and be a sitting target or try to get the parade moving and get it over with," said Childers.
Floats even picked up the pace as they passed revelers primped in ponchos, gripping umbrellas. But the wet weather gear was no match for the wild winds.
Weather experts forecast an 80 percent chance of rain will loom over the lineup a second year in a row.
Still, Childers says parade organizers stand firm on their plans and refuse to let anything steal their thunder.
"I am going to be honest with you. I don't think they want to get beyond twelve o'clock Saturday and that's it," said Childers.
We asked why that time is so important. Childers says "It's the tradition of it, and that's it, purely tradition." Even when asked if there is hard rain or possible tornado activity, he says "Unfortunately, that's the position of a significant number of board members."
The Baton Rouge Police Department has the final say about whether a parade can roll. Police spokesman Don Kelly says if there is severe weather that made conditions unsafe, the police department could step in and halt the parade.
For the latest on the parades, including weather delays, you can sign up for WAFB Parade Text Alerts by texting PARADE to 99009.
Copyright 2012 WAFB. All rights reserved.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and WAFB, a Raycom Media Station. 